Alcohol Abuse and Effects
Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that involves one or more of the following problems within a one-year period:
- Failure to carry out major responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Drinking in physically dangerous situations, such as while driving
- Legal problems related to using alcohol
- Continued drinking despite ongoing problems in relationships with other people that are related to alcohol use.
Alcohol abuse does not involve physical dependence on alcohol. But if it is not treated, alcohol abuse can lead to alcohol dependence.
Health Effects of Alcohol
Too much alcohol consumption over a phase of time can begin to affect almost every system in the body, especially the Liver, Brain and Digestive track.
Short-Term Effects
Normally it varies from person to person, there is a relationship between the concentration of alcohol in the blood (Blood Alcohol Concentration - BAC) and its effects. Mild euphoria and stimulation of behaviour occur initially with minor effects on performance which become more pronounced as the concentration of alcohol rises. Sadly, people often believe they are performing better rather than much worse.
In a person of average build, one standard drink will raise the BAC by approximately 0.01-0.03% in an hour, and as a rough guide it will be broken down at a similar rate, i.e. one standard drink per hour.
Long-term Effects
Each year almost 3000 people die as a result of excessive alcohol consumption and around 65 000 people are hospitalized. Long-term excessive alcohol consumption is associated with:
- Heart Damage
- High Blood Pressure and stroke
- Liver Damage
- Cancers of the Digestive System
- Other Digestive System Disorders (e.g. stomach ulcers)
- Sexual Impotence and Reduced Fertility
- Increasing Risk of Breast Cancer
- Sleeping Difficulties
- Brain Damage with mood and personality changes
- Concentration and Memory Problems
Fresh Start Private ( FSP) is a company on the leading edge of the treatment of alcohol addiction. Based in Orange County California, FSP has created a uniquely comprehensive alcohol treatment program that incorporates all of the essential elements for successful recovery.
Through this carefully designed recovery program, FSP is providing those suffering with alcoholism, as well as their family and friends, the opportunity for a "Fresh Start" at life.
